An evaluation of the Kockums CS-21 with chainsaw felling head operating in residual hardwood stands

Abstract

A time study was made of the Kockums CS-21 with chainsaw felling head operating in residual hardwood stands. The machine felled and skidded an average distance of 6 chains hardwoods in stands of densities 4.08, 5.63 and 12.01 cunits per acre. In the study both gross data collection and elemental time methods were used. In areas where the average tree size was 4.69 cu. ft., production of approximately 75 trees per productive machine hour (PMH) was attained in all densities. A cost estimate of $15.43 per unit was calculated for this machine operating under these conditions. This was made using known machine and operator costs, and using assumptions found approximately true for similar machine types. An analysis of production in the three areas is made, using the elemental time analysis. Silvicultural benefits are also discussed.